Chapter 1: A Year Beyond Earth

Reflecting on the year, I find myself questioning, “Is 2020 finally behind us?” While the progress may feel slow, we are indeed moving forward. Surprisingly, the year had its highlights. For those who managed to break free from Earth's bounds, numerous exciting events unfolded in the cosmos.

SpaceX's Historic Launch

In August, SpaceX made history by becoming the first private entity to send astronauts into space. Following a successful test flight, four crew members boarded the Falcon 9 rocket, which carried them to the International Space Station in November. This marked the initial mission of six planned under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. For those dreaming of space travel, both SpaceX and Virgin Galactic are preparing to offer tourist flights as early as next year, albeit at a steep price.

Lunar Exploration Resumes

After a four-decade pause, lunar rock samples are once again returning to Earth, thanks to China's Chang'e 5 mission. While some may question the need for more moon rocks after the 70's missions, advancements in technology now present a genuine opportunity for lunar colonization. The new samples aim to provide answers to lingering questions about the moon.

Asteroid Discoveries

Japan's Hayabusa-2 spacecraft made a successful return with samples from the Ryugu asteroid, a remnant from the solar system’s formation. These specimens are expected to enhance our understanding of planetary evolution, even as Earth gains a few milligrams in mass.

Mars Missions Thrive

The quest for knowledge about Mars continued robustly in 2020. The United Arab Emirates launched its inaugural Hope Mars Mission in July to investigate the Martian atmosphere. Concurrently, China’s Tianwen-1 mission, equipped with an orbiter, lander, and rover, aims to uncover signs of life on the Martian surface. NASA joined the fray with its Perseverance rover, set to arrive on Mars in February 2021, featuring the first-ever space helicopter to assist in the collection of rock and soil samples.

Earth’s New Mini-Moon

In December, Earth acquired a new mini-moon, which turned out to be an old piece of space debris—a spent rocket booster from the failed Surveyor 2 mission in 1966. This object will orbit Earth until March of next year when it will re-enter its path around the sun.

Given these exhilarating advancements, particularly from the United States space agency, it’s no surprise that NASA was once again recognized as the top federal workplace. Perhaps it’s because they’ve cracked the code on leaving this planet, while the rest of us must find joy in living through their extraordinary endeavors and those of other global space agencies.

This video titled "Is This Dinner Worth $79? Space 220 Review" explores the unique dining experience at Space 220, providing insights into what makes it special.

The second video, "Space 220 Lounge REVIEW!" offers a detailed review of the Space 220 Lounge, showcasing its atmosphere and offerings.

Chapter 2: Uncovering Earth's Origins

Research continues to shed light on the formation of Earth's atmosphere and the remarkable conditions that fostered life on our planet.

Chapter 3: The Atacama Desert: A Martian Testbed

As the driest location on Earth, the Atacama Desert serves as an essential field for scientists preparing for Mars expeditions.